Imperial Polk Genealogical Society

04/15/2026

Saturday afternoon, May 9, we are Zooming together--always a lively discussion!--on genealogical uses of AI. While it can't think for you, this tool can eliminate a lot of grunt work and really speed up discoveries, uncovering sources more obscure than you're used to.

04/07/2026

Join us for upcoming programs (hybrid) at the Lakeland Public Library, in the history center.
Saturday, April 11, at 1:00 p.m. we will learn about researching Civil War military records.
If you can't be there, request a Zoom link at news@ipgs.org.
Future programs appear at ipgs.org.

03/06/2026

March 14: Don’t miss our next Ancestry Forum
Did you pick up ideas from RootsTech? Do you want to hear what was gleaned by your genealogy colleagues? Or is there some puzzle you need help to solve?
Discussion prompts for the March 14 Ancestry Forum are:
• Takeaways from RootsTerch2026. What sessions did we watch, and what did we learn to share with the group?
• Shared discoveries or brick walls you need help with.
• Ideas for organizing our research.
These open-discussion group chats will be the afternoons of March 14, and May 9. All up-to-date IPGS members will receive an email link to the Zoom version. Others may request a link from news@ipgs.org.
Those who prefer more social opportunity will meet at the Lakeland History and Culture Center at the Lakeland Public Library.
Ancestry Forums are at our regular meeting times of 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month.

05/31/2025

A reminder that our free workshop is tomorrow, Saturday, May 31st, at Studio 37 in Mulberry. Drop by.

05/06/2025

✨ Discover the hidden meanings behind the unique symbols on Victorian gravestones! From angels to ivy, each detail tells a story of its own. Dive deep into the fascinating world of Victorian cemeteries and how they transformed our views on death. Read more here: https://wix.to/ZkMGkVP

Victorian cemeteries really changed the way people viewed death. Instead of being just sad places that remind us we're all going to die, they began to show more romantic ideas about what happens after we’re gone. The fancy symbols on gravestones weren’t just for show; they cleverly told stories ...

05/05/2025

From colonial burial grounds to vast memorial parks, the story of American graveyards is a fascinating journey. Explore the history with us! Read more: https://wix.to/7wJ2MkA

The story of American graveyards is a journey through time, culture, and landscape. From the humble colonial burying grounds to the vast, landscaped memorial parks and national cemeteries, these spaces reveal changing attitudes toward death, commemoration, and community. Join me as we explore the ev...

04/29/2025

Looking Inside a Grave
Webinar
May 10, 2025, 1:00PM

Peter DuFresne will share his expertise on the history of gravestones and discuss what can be found when you look inside the grave rather than just at the stone itself.

This month's member's presentation is a webinar that can be enjoyed at home or with others. See the IPGS.org calendar for more information.

04/21/2025

Free Community Genealogy Workshop

04/09/2025

Are you ready to take your family history journey to the next level? Discover the importance of methodical genealogical research and how structure can reveal untold stories. Don't miss out! Read more: https://wix.to/g9dDvkX

Exploring your family's history goes way beyond just browsing online databases or slapping names onto a family tree from a bunch of scattere

03/17/2025

Introducing the IPGS Genealogical Speakers.
Your Source for Genealogical Speakers
Are you searching for a speaker for your group’s meeting, upcoming conference, all-day seminar, or annual lecture?
Visit our website's “Speakers” page and select from an ever-expanding list of topics. If you don’t see one that interests you, let us know, and we will create a program for you.
our website's “Speakers” page

03/16/2025

Diving into your family history? City directories are invaluable resources! Learn how to effectively use them in your genealogy research. Check it out: https://wix.to/CG2wEbc

City directories are super handy for anyone diving into their family history. They give great details about our ancestors' lives, like where they lived, what jobs they had, and who they hung out with in the community. Usually published every year or every other year, these directories are a great wa...

01/13/2025

Just a reminder, the free beginning genealogy class starts tomorrow. If you are in Mulberry stop by.